January 1997
Kids are 27 percent of our population and 100 percent of our future. The direction they go depends on us. We all want our kids to have strong values and good character. But good character doesn't just happen. It's up to each of us to lay a solid foundation for character development by teaching children right from wrong and by acting as positive role models.
Character Counts! is a program designed to help parents, teachers and volunteers teach children that their character counts.
A person of character thinks right and does right according to core universal values (Pillars of Character) that define the qualities of a good person: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
TRUSTWORTHINESS: Trustworthiness is being honest, telling the truth, keeping promises and being loyal so people can trust you. Trustworthy people don't lie, cheat or steal. They have integrity and the moral courage to do the right thing and stand up for their beliefs even when it is hard to do so.
RESPECT: Respect is showing others that they are valued for who they are, for their character, not what they look like or what they have. It means treating others the way you want to be treated, never insulting or making fun of others who are different in looks, ability, race, or religion.
RESPONSIBILITY: Responsibility is doing what you are supposed to do. Responsible people think ahead, set reasonable goals, control their tempers, and always do their best. Responsible people are accountable for the consequences of their choices; they don't blame others for their mistakes.
FAIRNESS: Fairness is playing by the rules, taking turns, sharing, and listening to what others have to say. Fair people do not take advantage of others, consider all sides before they decide and don't blame others unjustly.
CARING: Caring is being kind, helpful and generous to everyone. Caring people are not selfish; they are considerate because they always think about how their conduct affects others. They have compassion and empathy because they care how others feel and they are charitable and forgiving.
CITIZENSHIP: Citizenship is doing your share to help your family and make your community a better place. Good citizens are good neighbors. They cooperate with others, obey laws and rules, respect the authority of parents, teachers and others.
The Character Counts! curriculum has five age-appropriate teaching modules for the following age groups: 4-6, 6-9, 9-11, 11-13, and teenagers. Each age module contains seven lesson plans and activities, one for each of the six Pillars of Character and one for decision making.
Cooperative Extension staff member across the state are trained and ready to implement the Character Counts! program. For more information, contact your local Extension Office.
One of the responsibilities of families is to teach children life skills. Life skills learned and perfected within the familial home help youth become productive family members and equip them to manage resources for a lifetime.
Laundry is an area that youth can successfully master and the help will be a valuable contribution to the entire family. However, mistakes due to lack of knowledge or carelessness can be costly.
Have you considered the cost of the clothing you or family members put into the washing machine? Many of those items have financial and emotional investments that go unnoticed until they are absent from the wardrobe for whatever reason.
The price tag on a load of clothing and/or household textiles may be a big surprise for anyone who takes time to compute the actual value. According to Maytag the value of a load of casual outerwear averages between $350 and $450; the value of a load of sheets and towels averages between $84 and $112. The average value of a load of laundry is approximately $300.*
Written by Judith Schwab, Extension Educator
Southeast Six EPU, Otoe County